Occasional cell phone users who want a hassle-free cell phone should check out prepaid cell phones. Available just about anywhere, the no contracts and no credit checks policy appeals to some users who prefer to pay as they go.
Instructions
1. Buy a phone directly from cell phone providers or at many discount and electronics stores. Most prepaid phones tend to be the basic models with few bells and whistles.
2. Research the best provider for you. When you use prepaid cell phones, you must pay an activation fee and purchase minutes with a service provider. Look at providers who have a strong track record for service. You don't want to buy minutes from a provider that can't provide clear calls.
3. Look at the different minute plans that providers offer. Most start with 60 minutes. Cost may determine which plan you go with, but make certain the plan has what you need. If you plan to send or receive text messages, check if this option is available and what the extra charges are. Some providers allow you to add long distance, roaming, voice mail, caller ID and 3-way calling.
4. Find out add additional minutes. Some wireless providers allow you to purchase more minutes over the phone or on the carrier's website. Others are willing to deduct minutes with a credit card or debit card, similar to a traditional cell phone.
5. Buy minutes through cell phone cards available anywhere from electronics stores to discount stores to your corner convenience store. Often the more minutes you buy, the less your per-minute charge will be.
6. Use up all of your minutes and your cell phone stops working until you add more minutes. No monthly bills. No paying for something you're not using.
7. Check if the minutes you purchased have an expiration date. Many do. Your unused minutes may carry over, but you still need to buy new airtime by your expiration date, or risk losing service. Some companies let you carry over minutes from one period to another if you order your new minutes before your current period ends. If you restart service after expiration, you will need a new phone number.
8. Check with your carrier on keep track of your minutes. Some display remaining minutes on your handset; others allow you to call and check on remaining minutes.
Tags: cell phone, more minutes, your minutes, carry over, cell phones, electronics stores